Saturday 8/1/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cubs at Brewers

GAME: Chicago Cubs (55-47) at Milwaukee Brewers (44-60)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, August 01 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Miller Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
LINE: -119, 110 TOTAL: 8

The Chicago Cubs beefed up their pitching at the trade deadline by acquiring starter Dan Haren and reliever Tommy Hunter, but Anthony Rizzo is proving his powerful bat can carry the offense when necessary. The two-time All-Star will try to extend his career-best streak of hitting at least one homer to four games on Saturday, when Chicago attempts to claim a series victory in the third of four games in Milwaukee against the Brewers.


Rizzo opened the second half with a 7-for-46 slump that featured no home runs as the Cubs limped to a 5-7 record in the 12 games following the Midsummer Classic, but he began to find his stroke with a two-run blast in a series-clinching victory over Colorado on Wednesday. The 25-year-old first baseman, who has homered more often against Milwaukee (12 times) than any other opponent, is 5-for-7 with a blast in each of the first two contests in this series. Milwaukee, which dealt away veteran slugger Aramis Ramirez earlier this month, continued the process of building for the future over the last two days by trading away Carlos Gomez (Houston), Gerardo Parra (Baltimore) and Jonathan Broxton (St. Louis). The Brewers (44-60) have totaled 20 runs while dropping eight of 10, solidifying their hold on last place in the National League Central – 22 ½ games behind the league-best Cardinals.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, ABC 7 (Chicago), FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Kyle Hendricks (4-5, 3.81 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Matt Garza (5-11, 5.20)

Hendricks uncharacteristically struggled with his command and failed to factor in the decision Monday in Colorado, matching a season high with three walks while yielding four runs and seven hits in five frames. The Dartmouth alum ended July on a bit of a sour note by allowing nine runs over his final 11 innings after beginning the month by permitting one earned run over his first 20 frames. Hendricks has dominated the Brewers in three career starts, however, going 2-0 with a 0.98 ERA.

Garza has pitched better in the two starts he has made since coming off the disabled list, but he suffered his fourth loss in five decisions on Sunday at Arizona after allowing three runs over 5 2/3 innings. "It's coming back, but it's still not where I want to be. The ball is staying in the yard more … I'm just not turning my luck around,” the 31-year-old Fresno State product told reporters. Garza enjoyed his best start of the year against the Cubs on May 10, permitting a run on three hits while fanning nine over seven frames in a no-decision.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rizzo’s eight home runs and 21 RBIs at Miller Park are his best totals at any venue outside of Wrigley Field.

2. Brewers RF Ryan Braun’s solo shot in Friday’s loss was the 249th homer of his career, two shy of tying Hall-of-Famer Robin Yount’s team record.

3. Haren and Hunter are expected to join Chicago on Saturday. Haren is expected to make his Cubs debut on Wednesday in Pittsburgh.

PREDICTION: Cubs 3, Brewers 1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Pirates at Reds

GAME: Pittsburgh Pirates (60-42) at Cincinnati Reds (46-55)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, August 01 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, Ohio
LINE: -151, 139 TOTAL: 8

Gerrit Cole attempts to earn his major league-leading 15th victory and notch his first win at Great American Ball Park when the Pittsburgh Pirates visit the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday night in the third contest of a four-game series. Cole has never beaten the Reds in five career starts and is 0-1 with a 4.50 ERA in three outings in Cincinnati.

Left fielder Starling Marte preserved Friday's 5-4 victory for Pittsburgh, throwing out the tying run at the plate in the ninth inning before making a diving catch for the final out. Rookie Jung-Ho Kang helped the Pirates bounce back from a 15-5 drubbing in the series opener, banging out three doubles to give him multiple hits in nine of his last 12 games. Reds right fielder Marlon Byrd is 5-for-10 with two homers, four RBIs and three runs scored in the first two games of the series. Cincinnati traded its second starting pitcher this week when it shipped Mike Leake to San Francisco.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, ROOT (Pittsburgh), FSN Ohio (Cincinnati)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Gerrit Cole (14-4, 2.24 ERA) vs. Reds RH Raisel Iglesias (1-3, 5.53 ERA)

Cole turned in an outstanding effort to beat Washington last time out, allowing only a solo home run among seven hits over 7 2/3 innings. The former No. 1 overall draft pick pitched at least seven innings in all four of his starts in July, going 3-1 and permitting a combined eight earned runs. Cole is 0-2 in three starts against the Reds this season - the only three outings in which he has failed to pitch beyond five innings.

Iglesias is winless since beating Atlanta in his second career start on May 13 and one reason is his inability to stay away from the big inning. He was victimized by a fourth-inning grand slam in a 6-4 loss at St. Louis on Monday - the fourth consecutive start in which he has surrendered a home run. The 25-year-old Cuban also has been unable to solve left-handed hitters, who are batting a collective .352 against him.

WALK-OFFS

1. Pittsburgh acquired LHP J.A. Happ from Seattle and 1B Michael Morse from the Dodgers at Friday's trade deadline.

2. Reds 2B Brandon Phillips had two more hits Friday to follow up his two-homer, four-hit, seven-RBI game in the series opener.

3. The Pirates placed RHP A.J. Burnett on the 15-day disabled list Friday due to right elbow inflammation.

PREDICTION: Pirates 5, Reds 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Padres at Marlins

GAME: San Diego Padres (50-53) at Miami Marlins (42-61)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, August 01 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Marlins Park, Miami, Florida
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The San Diego Padres were rumored to be the busiest team in the league on the final day of the trading deadline but, stunningly, they opted to stand pat. "Ultimately, we didn’t feel like we got the value that we wanted to get to," said Padres general manager A.J. Preller, whose club plays the second of a three-game series at the Miami Marlins on Saturday.

One of the players that San Diego expected to deal, closer Craig Kimbrel, suffered his second blown save in 22 chances when he coughed up a two-out homer to Derek Dietrich in the bottom of the ninth. The Padres (50-53), who managed to pull out an 8-3 victory in 11 innings despite Kimbrel’s rare blemish, have won 11 of their last 15 and moved within three games of the .500 mark for the first time since June 27. Unlike San Diego, the Marlins were busy right up to the deadline, sending right-handed starter Dan Haren to the Chicago Cubs and reliever Sam Dyson to Texas while receiving a pair of prospects back in each deal. Six of the players on Miami's Opening Day roster were sent packing in the past eight days, which "will create opportunities for guys to come up here,” manager Dan Jennings said.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN San Diego, FSN Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres RH Odrisamer Despaigne (4-7, 4.76 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Jose Urena (1-4, 4.04)


Despaigne halted a winless drought of nearly two months by beating the Marlins in his last outing, limiting them to one run on only two hits over six innings. The 28-year-old Cuban, who is 2-7 with a 5.28 ERA since going 2-0, 2.95 in April, is seeking back-to-back victories for the first time since April 14-20. Despaigne is also looking to win on the road for the first time since April 20.

Trading starters Haren and Mat Latos paved the way for the recall of Urena, who has spent the past month at Triple-A New Orleans. The 23-year-old Dominican permitted three runs or fewer in six consecutive starts prior to his demotion, but also walked 11 against only seven strikeouts in his last three turns. He pitched a shutout for New Orleans on July 4 before yielding 16 runs (15 earned) in his next four starts for the Zephyrs.

WALK-OFFS

1. Padres C Derek Norris is 7-for-9 with a homer and five RBIs in the series and 2B Jedd Gyorko is 7-for-12 over his last three games.

2. Dietrich has three homers in the last nine games, which are his only hits in 21 at-bats during that span.

3. San Diego added depth to its bullpen Friday by acquiring LHP Marc Rzepczynski from Cleveland.

PREDICTION: Padres 6, Marlins 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Diamondbacks at Astros

GAME: Arizona Diamondbacks (50-51) at Houston Astros (58-46)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, August 01 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Minute Maid Park, Houston, Texas
LINE: 178, -194 TOTAL: 7.5

The Arizona Diamondbacks look to remain perfect on their road trip when they visit the Houston Astros on Saturday. Arizona kicked off its nine-game trek by sweeping a three-game set at Seattle before outlasting Houston 6-4 in 10 innings Friday.

The Diamondbacks rallied from a 4-1 deficit to force extra frames, with Welington Castillo and Jake Lamb belting back-to-back homers in the 10th. Carlos Correa and Jason Castro went deep for the Astros, who also entered the series having swept their previous set. Houston has allowed five or more runs in three of its last five contests, going 3-2 in that span. Arizona is riding a six-game winning streak overall and has scored at least six runs in each of its last three contests.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN Arizona, ROOT (Houston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks RH Jeremy Hellickson (7-6, 4.60 ERA) vs. Astros LH Dallas Keuchel (12-5, 2.32)

Hellickson continued his stretch of effectiveness Sunday when he scattered four hits over six scoreless innings of a victory over Milwaukee. The 28-year-old native of Iowa has allowed two runs or fewer in six of his last seven starts but is just 3-3 in that span. Hellickson, who owns a 5.26 ERA on the road this season, never has faced Houston.

Keuchel is coming off his roughest turn of the season, a loss at Kansas City on Sunday in which he was tagged for five runs and 10 hits over 6 2/3 innings. The 27-year-old from Oklahoma had won four of his previous five starts - three of which were scoreless outings. Keuchel has made three career starts against Arizona, going 1-2 with a 4.50 ERA.

WALK-OFFS

1. CF Carlos Gomez made his debut with the Astros a day after being acquired from Milwaukee and went 0-for-5.

2. Arizona CF A.J. Pollock left the series opener in the seventh inning with tightness in his hamstring.

3. Correa's home run Friday was his 10th in 45 major-league games.

PREDICTION: Astros 6, Diamondbacks 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Nationals at Mets

GAME: Washington Nationals (54-47) at New York Mets (53-50)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, August 01 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Citi Field, New York City, New York
LINE: 134, -145 TOTAL: 6.5

New York Mets shortstop Wilmer Flores has run the gamut of emotions in a two-day span, crying on the field Wednesday after he thought he had been traded before turning those tears to thunderous cheers 48 hours later. Flores belted a walk-off homer in the 12th inning to cap a 2-1 victory for the Mets, who try to make it two straight wins over the visiting Washington Nationals on Saturday.

"This kid can't ever forget this night," New York manager Terry Collins said of Flores after he cut the first-place Nationals' lead to two games atop the National League East. The Mets made another bold move with the acquisition of power-hitter outfielder Yoenis Cespedes, who is expected to make his New York debut Saturday night. Washington, which dropped to 3-5 on its 10-game road trip, has been limited to one run in four of its last five contests. The Nationals could be in for another rough night at the plate when they face 10-game winner Jacob deGrom, who will be opposed by rookie Joe Ross.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MASN (Washington), SNY (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Joe Ross (2-3, 3.03 ERA) vs. Mets RH Jacob deGrom (10-6, 2.05)

Ross has turned a pair of quality starts since his recall from Triple-A Syracuse but wound up taking the loss in both as the Nationals managed a total of three runs. He gave up three runs and five hits while striking out seven at Pittsburgh last time out after limiting the Mets to two earned runs over 6 1/3 innings in his previous turn. Making his sixth career start, Ross has 34 strikeouts with three walks and one homer allowed.

DeGrom is coming off another superb performance but had to settle for a no-decision despite blanking the Los Angeles Dodgers on two hits over 7 2/3 innings. He beat the Nationals for the first time in three starts this season in his previous turn, giving up two runs on three hits in six innings. The 22-year-old deGrom is 5-2 with a 1.48 ERA while holding teams to a .207 batting average against in 10 starts at Citi Field.

WALK-OFFS

1. DeGrom has permitted two earned runs or fewer in 11 of his last 12 starts.

2. Nationals RF Bryce Harper was hitless in five at-bats Friday, snapping his eight-game hitting streak.

3. Flores notched his third walk-off hit of the season, tying Toronto's Josh Donaldson and Starlin Castro of the Cubs for the major-league lead.

PREDICTION: Mets 4, Nationals 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mariners at Twins

GAME: Seattle Mariners (47-57) at Minnesota Twins (53-49)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, August 01 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Target Field, Minneapolis, Minnesota
LINE: 107, -116 TOTAL: 8.5

Nelson Cruz is on a tear at the plate and he'll look to follow up a season-best four-hit effort when the Seattle Mariners visit the Minnesota Twins on Saturday. Cruz is batting .400 during a hitting streak that was extended to 11 games in Friday's 6-1 victory, a triumph in which he belted his sixth homer during the hot stretch.

Cruz has recorded five multi-hit performances during his streak and driven in 10 runs. Seattle halted its four-game slide with Friday's victory, combining a 13-hit attack with Taijuan Walker's one-hitter. Miguel Sano homered for the Twins' lone hit and is 8-for-25 with two blasts during his seven-game hitting streak. Minnesota's Aaron Hicks was hitless in four at-bats after producing five consecutive multi-hit efforts.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, ROOT (Seattle), FSN North (Minnesota)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners LH Mike Montgomery (4-4, 3.20 ERA) vs. Twins RH Kyle Gibson (8-8, 3.48)

Montgomery is struggling after a strong start, going 0-2 with a 7.08 ERA in his last four turns. He received a no-decision against Arizona in his last outing, when he allowed three runs (two earned) and five hits in 6 2/3 innings. Montgomery has served up seven homers in his last five starts after giving up one in his first six.

Gibson has been roughed up for six runs in each of his last two outings, losing both following a four-start winning streak. He allowed just six earned runs during a five-start stretch before getting pounded for 12 runs and 16 hits in 10 1/3 frames in his last two turns. Gibson is 2-1 with a 2.88 ERA in four career starts against Seattle and received a no-decision on April 26, when he gave up two runs and five hits in seven innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Twins acquired RHP Kevin Jepsen from Tampa Bay for minor-league RHPs Chih-Wei Hu and Alexis Tapia.

2. Seattle traded RHP Mark Lowe to Toronto for minor-league LHPs Rob Rasmussen (recalled by Mariners), Nick Wells and Jacob Brentz, and also sent LHP J.A. Happ to Pittsburgh for minor-league RHP Adrian Sampson.

3. Minnesota 1B Joe Mauer was 0-for-3 on Friday to end his 11-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Twins 5, Mariners 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Yankees at White Sox

GAME: New York Yankees (58-44) at Chicago White Sox (49-52)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, August 01 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago, Illinois
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The New York Yankees hope their bats remain hot when they visit the Chicago White Sox for the middle contest of their three-game series Saturday. New York posted a 13-5 triumph in the opener thanks to an 18-hit attack that was led by Mark Teixeira, who delivered a double and two home runs en route to a six-RBI performance.

Teixeira set a major-league record by homering from each side of the plate for the 14th time of his career, eclipsing the previous mark set by former Yankees teammate Nick Swisher. Carlos Beltran and Brendan Ryan also collected three hits as the Yankees improved to 5-3 on their 10-game road trip. Jose Abreu homered and Adam LaRoche collected four hits and an RBI for the White Sox, who were beginning a six-game homestand. LaRoche was called upon to pitch the ninth inning for Chicago and set down the Yankees in order.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, WPIX (New York), CSN Chicago

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Bryan Mitchell (0-0, 2.89 ERA) vs. White Sox LH John Danks (5-8, 4.97)

Mitchell was recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to make his second career start and first this season. The 24-year-old from North Carolina made six relief appearances earlier this year, recording one save. Mitchell remains in search of his initial major-league victory as he sits 0-1 with a 2.66 ERA in nine games.

Danks' unbeaten streak reached five starts on Monday as he escaped with a no-decision after surrendering seven runs - six earned - and nine hits in 4 1/3 innings at Boston. The 30-year-old Texan also yielded six runs over 4 1/3 frames in a no-decision against Toronto on July 8 but produced scoreless efforts in the other three outings during his streak.

WALK-OFFS

1. Teixeira's multi-homer performance was the 41st of his career, passing Chipper Jones for second place on the all-time list among switch-hitters. He's five away from matching Mickey Mantle

2. Chicago has scored a total of eight runs in its back-to-back losses after recording at least nine in each of its previous three contests.

3. New York OF Brett Gardner, who is expected to return to the lineup Saturday after receiving a night off, is three runs away from 500 for his career.

PREDICTION: White Sox 8, Yankees 5

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Giants at Rangers

GAME: San Francisco Giants (56-46) at Texas Rangers (50-52)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, August 01 - 8:05 PM EST
WHERE: Globe Life Park in Arlington, Arlington, Texas
LINE: 117, -127 TOTAL: 8.5

Cole Hamels makes his highly anticipated Texas debut when the Rangers host the San Francisco Giants in Saturday's second contest of their three-game series. Hamels, who tossed his first career no-hitter in his final start for Philadelphia on July 25, was acquired by the Rangers in an eight-player deal that sent six players to the Phillies.

Hamels wanted to join a contender, and he feels he has done so as the Rangers are three games behind Minnesota for the American League's second wild card. "There's still a chance, and I like knowing that," Hamels said in his introductory press conference with the Rangers. "I know I can help be a part of that for the Rangers, and that's what I'll look to do. My expectations are to go out there and win ballgames." San Francisco tagged Hamels for nine runs and 12 hits in 3 1/3 innings during a 15-2 rout on July 10, with Hunter Pence belting a grand slam to highlight an eight-run fourth inning. The Giants lost for the just the third time in 16 games when Texas prevailed 6-3 in Friday's series opener behind homers from Elvis Andrus and Adrian Beltre.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, CSN Bay Area (San Francisco), FSN Southwest (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants RH Chris Heston (11-5, 3.14 ERA) vs. Rangers LH Cole Hamels (6-7, 3.64)

Heston has won three consecutive starts and five straight decisions during a breakthrough season. The 27-year-old had pitched just 5 1/3 major-league innings entering the year, but he solidified his starting spot with a no-hitter in June against the New York Mets and gave up just one hit in 7 1/3 scoreless frames versus San Diego on July 21. Heston defeated Milwaukee in his last start as he gave up two runs and five hits in seven innings.

Hamels struck out a season-best 13 and walked two in his no-hitter against the Chicago Cubs to follow up a poor two-start stretch during which he gave up 14 runs and 20 hits over 6 1/3 innings. He also endured a string of nine consecutive winless starts - four losses - prior to the masterpiece. Hamels is 6-4 with a 4.21 ERA in 15 career starts against San Francisco and has struggled against Buster Posey (11-for-21, one homer) and Angel Pagan (14-for-43, one homer).

WALK-OFFS

1. Giants 2B Joe Panik went 1-for-4 on Friday after missing consecutive games due to back soreness.

2. Beltre's blast ended his stretch of 15 games without a homer.

3. San Francisco placed veteran RHP Tim Hudson (shoulder) on the disabled list. Newcomer Mike Leake (acquired from Cincinnati) will take his rotation spot and start on Sunday.

PREDICTION: Rangers 4, Giants 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rockies at Cardinals

GAME: Colorado Rockies (43-58) at St. Louis Cardinals (66-37)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, August 01 - 7:15 PM EST
WHERE: Busch Stadium, St. Louis, Missouri
LINE: 157, -171 TOTAL: 7.5

Matt Carpenter has adjusted nicely to his return to the leadoff position. After belting three homers in the first two contests of the four-game series, Carpenter looks to continue his torrid stretch when the St. Louis Cardinals face the visiting Colorado Rockies on Saturday.

Carpenter is a blistering 6-for-9 with five RBIs and as many runs scored in the series, but his fortunes are decidedly different when facing Saturday starter Jorge De La Rosa - going 0-for-9 with four strikeouts. Kolten Wong, Jason Heyward and Jhonny Peralta have recorded two hits in each of the first two contests of the series for the Cardinals, who have won 16 of their last 19 home games following their 7-0 rout on Friday. Conversely, Colorado has dropped 18 of 23 road contests, although Carlos Gonzalez doesn't seem fazed by the venue. Gonzalez is 18-for-40 with eight homers, 16 RBIs and 14 runs scored in his last 10 contests.

TV: 7:15 p.m. ET, ROOT (Colorado), FSN Midwest (St. Louis)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies LH Jorge De La Rosa (6-4, 5.03 ERA) vs. Cardinals RH Lance Lynn (8-5, 2.71)

De La Rosa allowed six earned runs for the second straight outing on Monday, but walked away with a no-decision both times. The 34-year-old has pitched significantly better versus St. Louis, improving to 7-4 in his career against the club after permitting two runs on three hits in seven innings of a 4-3 win on June 9. De La Rosa has also appeared to be at ease on the road this season, posting a 4-2 mark with a 3.07 ERA while allowing the opposition to bat just .207 against him.

Lynn turned in his third consecutive sterling outing on Monday, improving to 2-0 in that stretch after allowing one run on five hits in seven innings of a 4-1 triumph over Cincinnati. The victory improved Lynn to 6-1 with a 1.77 ERA at Busch Stadium this season. Lynn owns a 2-0 mark with a 1.37 ERA and 1.03 WHIP in four career outings versus Colorado while limiting the Rockies to just a .215 batting average.

WALK-OFFS

1. Colorado 2B DJ LeMahieu has collected four hits in the series and went 36-for-90 (.400) with 18 runs scored in July.

2. St. Louis LF Stephen Piscotty is riding a six-game hitting streak and is 10-for-29 since being promoted from Triple-A Memphis.

3. Rockies SS Jose Reyes is 2-for-11 since being acquired from Toronto in the deal for SS Troy Tulowitzki.

PREDICTION: Cardinals 3, Rockies 1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Indians at Athletics

GAME: Cleveland Indians (48-54) at Oakland Athletics (45-59)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, August 01 - 9:05 PM EST
WHERE: O.co Coliseum, Oakland, California
LINE: -118, 109 TOTAL: 7.5

The Cleveland Indians are receiving outstanding starting pitching and taking advantage of it to the tune of victories. Cleveland has won three consecutive contests — allowing one run in each game — as it enters Saturday's road game against the slumping Oakland Athletics.

The Indians have allowed just eight hits during the winning streak that began when Corey Kluber tossed a complete-game five-hitter against Kansas City on Wednesday. The stellar performances have continued against Oakland as Carlos Carrasco pitched a complete-game two-hitter on Thursday and Danny Salazar allowed just one hit in eight innings in Friday's 2-1 victory. The Athletics are struggling with seven losses in eight games and have scored three or fewer runs in eight of their past 10 games. Oakland designated Billy Butler is 4-for-30 over the last 10 contests and batted just .197 in July.

TV: 9:05 p.m. ET, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland), CSN California (Oakland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Cody Anderson (2-2, 3.26 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Aaron Brooks (0-0, 6.23)

Anderson has been touched up for 11 runs in his last two starts after allowing just three over his first four big-league outings. He gave up four runs and 10 hits in 2 2/3 innings in a no-decision against Milwaukee on July 22 and followed up by allowing seven runs and eight hits in 5 2/3 innings Monday. Anderson is 1-1 with a 2.89 ERA in three road starts.

Brooks is making his Oakland debut after being acquired earlier this week in the package that sent Ben Zobrist to Kansas City. He had a 6.23 ERA in two relief appearances for the Royals this season and has a career ERA of 20.57 in four appearances (one start). Brooks went 6-5 with a 3.71 ERA in 18 appearances (17 starts) for Triple-A Omaha this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Athletics obtained LHP Felix Doubront from Toronto for cash considerations.

2. Cleveland traded LHP Marc Rzepczynski to San Diego for OF Abraham Almonte and purchased the contract of OF/1B Jerry Sands from Triple-A Columbus.

3. Oakland 1B Ike Davis is hitless in six at-bats in the series and batted .152 in July.

PREDICTION: Indians 7, Athletics 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB
Dunkel

Saturday, August 1


Atlanta @ Philadelphia

Game 951-952
August 1, 2015 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Atlanta
(Wisler) 17.364
Philadelphia
(Nola) 12.901
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Atlanta
by 4 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Philadelphia
-115
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Atlanta
(-105); Over

Pittsburgh @ Cincinnati

Game 953-954
August 1, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Pittsburgh
(Cole) 15.083
Cincinnati
(Iglesias) 16.138
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cincinnati
by 1
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Pittsburgh
-165
8
Dunkel Pick:
Cincinnati
(+145); Over

Washington @ NY Mets

Game 955-956
August 1, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Washington
(Ross) 14.051
NY Mets
(deGrom) 16.519
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Mets
by 2 1/2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Mets
-150
6 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
NY Mets
(-150); Under

Chicago Cubs @ Milwaukee

Game 957-958
August 1, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago Cubs
(Hendricks) 16.346
Milwaukee
(Garza) 12.244
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago Cubs
by 4
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago Cubs
-130
8
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago Cubs
(-130); Under

San Diego @ Miami

Game 959-960
August 1, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Diego
(Despaigne) 12.604
Miami
(Urena) 16.568
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Miami
by 4
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Miami
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Miami
N/A

Colorado @ St. Louis

Game 961-962
August 1, 2015 @ 7:15 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Colorado
(DeLaRosa) 13.354
St. Louis
(Lynn) 15.729
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
St. Louis
by 2 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
St. Louis
-180
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
St. Louis
(-180); Over

Kansas City @ Toronto

Game 963-964
August 1, 2015 @ 1:07 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Kansas City
(Ventura) 16.583
Toronto
(Buehrle) 15.113
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Kansas City
by 1 1/2
7 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
-130
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Kansas City
(+110); Under

Tampa Bay @ Boston

Game 965-966
August 1, 2015 @ 1:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Tampa Bay
(Moore) 15.505
Boston
(Kelly) 14.092
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Tampa Bay
by 1 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
-125
9 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Tampa Bay
(+105); Under

Detroit @ Baltimore

Game 967-968
August 1, 2015 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
(Sanchez) 14.058
Baltimore
(Gausman) 15.673
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Baltimore
by 1 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Baltimore
-140
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Baltimore
(-140); Under

Seattle @ Minnesota

Game 969-970
August 1, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Seattle
(Mntgomry) 13.101
Minnesota
(Gibson) 16.283
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 3
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Minnesota
-115
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
(-115); Under

NY Yankees @ Chicago White Sox

Game 971-972
August 1, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Yankees
(Mitchell) 18.353
Chicago White Sox
(Danks) 16.247
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Yankees
by 2
10 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago White Sox
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
NY Yankees
N/A

Cleveland @ Oakland

Game 973-974
August 1, 2015 @ 9:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cleveland
(Anderson) 13.096
Oakland
(Brooks) 14.517
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oakland
by 1 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland
-125
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Oakland
(+105); Over

LA Angels @ LA Dodgers

Game 975-976
August 1, 2015 @ 4:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Angels
(Heaney) 12.860
LA Dodgers
(Kershaw) 17.271
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Dodgers
by 4 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Dodgers
-165
6 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
LA Dodgers
(-165); Over

Arizona @ Houston

Game 977-978
August 1, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Arizona
(Hellicksn) 13.283
Houston
(Keuchel) 17.271
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston
by 4
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
-210
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Houston
(-210); Over

San Francisco @ Texas

Game 979-980
August 1, 2015 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Francisco
(Heston) 16.408
Texas
(Hamels) 15.010
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Francisco
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Texas
-130
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
San Francisco
(+110); Under

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB

Saturday, August 1

Trend Report

1:07 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. TORONTO
Kansas City is 16-8 SU in its last 24 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Kansas City's last 9 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Toronto is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 7 games

1:35 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. BOSTON
Tampa Bay is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Tampa Bay's last 8 games when playing Boston
Boston is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 5 games at home

4:05 PM
LA ANGELS vs. LA DODGERS
LA Angels are 1-7 SU in their last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of LA Angels's last 6 games
LA Dodgers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing LA Angels
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of LA Dodgers's last 8 games when playing LA Angels

7:05 PM
ATLANTA vs. PHILADELPHIA
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 7 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Atlanta is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 18 of Philadelphia's last 25 games at home
Philadelphia is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home

7:05 PM
DETROIT vs. BALTIMORE
Detroit is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games on the road
Detroit is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing Baltimore
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Baltimore's last 5 games when playing Detroit
Baltimore is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing Detroit

7:10 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. CINCINNATI
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Pittsburgh's last 8 games
Pittsburgh is 3-10 SU in its last 13 games when playing Cincinnati
Cincinnati is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 5 games at home

7:10 PM
ARIZONA vs. HOUSTON
Arizona is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Houston
Arizona is 11-3 SU in its last 14 games when playing Houston
Houston is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games
Houston is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Arizona

7:10 PM
NY YANKEES vs. CHI WHITE SOX
NY Yankees are 9-3 SU in their last 12 games
NY Yankees are 3-8 SU in their last 11 games when playing on the road against Chi White Sox
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chi White Sox's last 5 games
Chi White Sox are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing NY Yankees

7:10 PM
SEATTLE vs. MINNESOTA
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Seattle's last 6 games when playing Minnesota
Seattle is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Minnesota's last 7 games when playing at home against Seattle
Minnesota is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Seattle

7:10 PM
WASHINGTON vs. NY METS
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games on the road
Washington is 17-3 SU in its last 20 games when playing on the road against NY Mets
NY Mets are 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of NY Mets's last 6 games when playing at home against Washington

7:10 PM
CHI CUBS vs. MILWAUKEE
Chi Cubs are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Chi Cubs's last 10 games when playing Milwaukee
Milwaukee is 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Milwaukee's last 10 games when playing Chi Cubs

7:10 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. MIAMI
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Diego's last 5 games when playing Miami
San Diego is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Miami
Miami is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against San Diego
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Miami's last 8 games

7:15 PM
COLORADO vs. ST. LOUIS
Colorado is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
Colorado is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
St. Louis is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games
St. Louis is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Colorado

8:05 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. TEXAS
San Francisco is 16-5 SU in its last 21 games when playing Texas
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Francisco's last 6 games
Texas is 4-12 SU in its last 16 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Texas's last 6 games when playing at home against San Francisco

9:05 PM
CLEVELAND vs. OAKLAND
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cleveland's last 6 games on the road
Cleveland is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oakland's last 5 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Oakland's last 14 games at home

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

DON BEST CONSENSUS

(956) NEW YORK METS (1ST 5 INNINGS)

The Mets are 3-0 in DeGrom's L3 starts.

Since May 16, deGrom is 7-2 with a 1.37 ERA, 91 strikeouts and 11 walks. He's also throwing the ball harder than ever, hitting 99 mph in his last start.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

CHASE DIAMOND

15* Milwaukee Brewers ML

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Holy $hit Betting Stat of the Day: Keuchel has been nearly unhittable at home
By Stephen Campbell

To say Houston Astros ace Dallas Keuchel has been dominant at home this season would be an understatement.

In 11 starts at Minute Maid Park, Keuchel is a perfect 9-0 with an MLB-best 1.13 ERA. The left-hander has allowed just 10 earned runs over 79.2 innings, with the ‘Stros emerging triumphant 10 times during that span. Keuchel is slated to start in the Lone Star State Saturday against Jeremy Hellickson and the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Opposing batters having the unenviable task of facing Keuchel in front of his hometown fans have struck out 82 times while batting a combined .185.

Due to those gaudy numbers, it’s no surprise to see the Astros pegged as hefty -203 moneyline favorites. The sportsbooks has held firm at its 7.5 total since opening.

 

[68UpperNorth]

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